Accounting for NGOs using QuickBooks Course

Module 1: Introduction to NGO Accounting and QuickBooks Setup

Description

Introduces the fundamentals of NGO financial management and donor reporting, and guides participants in setting up QuickBooks tailored for NGOs.

Key Content:

NGO vs. for-profit accounting

Donor compliance and reporting needs

QuickBooks overview (Online/Desktop)

Setting up a company file for NGOs

Customizing chart of accounts for projects, donors, and grants

Learning Outcomes

Understand NGO-specific accounting requirements

Set up and customize QuickBooks for NGO use

Create a donor/project-focused chart of accounts

Module 2: Recording NGO Transactions

Covers day-to-day financial transactions in NGOs and how to accurately record them in QuickBooks.

Key Content:

Recording donations, grants, and pledges

Managing restricted vs. unrestricted funds

Entering project expenses and reimbursements

Setting up and managing vendors and suppliers

Tracking income and expenditures by donor, class, or project

Learning Outcomes

Record NGO income and expenses in QuickBooks

Distinguish and manage restricted vs. unrestricted funds

Set up vendors and track project expenses efficiently

Module 3: Budgeting, Grants, and Fund Management

Focuses on financial planning, grant tracking, and fund management to ensure accountability and compliance.

Key Content:

Preparing program and project budgets

Tracking budgets vs. actuals in QuickBooks

Setting up and monitoring grant accounts

Allocating shared costs across multiple projects

Managing donor restrictions and compliance requirements

Learning Outcomes

Prepare budgets and track variances in QuickBooks

Set up and monitor grants effectively

Ensure donor compliance through proper fund management

Module 4: Financial Reporting and Compliance

Teaches participants how to generate and customize reports in QuickBooks that meet donor, management, and regulatory requirements.

Key Content:

Generating financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement/Statement of Activities)

Customizing NGO-specific reports (donor, project, and grant reports)

Exporting and presenting reports to management and donors

Audit readiness and compliance with NGO financial regulations

Strengthening internal controls and accountability

Learning Outcomes

Generate accurate NGO financial statements in QuickBooks

Customize reports for donor and project reporting

Support audits and ensure compliance with financial regulations

Module 5: Advanced QuickBooks Applications and Case Study

Covers advanced QuickBooks features and provides a practical case study to consolidate learning.

Key Content:

Importing/reporting data with Excel

Automating recurring transactions (donor pledges, grants)

Linking QuickBooks with payroll and banking systems

Securing data and managing backups

Case study: Setting up a sample NGO, recording transactions, and preparing donor reports

Learning Outcomes

Use advanced QuickBooks features for efficiency

Automate routine NGO accounting processes

Apply QuickBooks skills in a real-world NGO case study